Lead Packaging Engineer: Drive Cost Savings & Innovation

Klein Tools; Lincolnshire (IL); On-site; USD 97,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Vacations & Holidays

Profit Sharing & Matching 401(k)

Health Insurance (Medical, Vision, & 0

Dental

Job summary

Klein Tools is seeking a Senior Packaging Engineer to lead packaging initiatives across product categories, focusing on cost reductions, process improvements, and sustainability. You will manage projects from initiation to completion, collaborate with engineering, product management, operations, and procurement, and develop packaging designs for new products.

The role requires a strong background in packaging engineering, CAD proficiency, and the ability to negotiate with suppliers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering and five years of related experience are required.
• Solid knowledge of engineering fundamentals with good understanding of material properties.
• Experience with palletization optimization software (TOPS, CAPE) and CAD (ArtiosCAD, SolidWorks) is a plus.
• Must have strong technical, analytical, planning and organizational skills.
• Demonstrate oral and written communication within a team environment.
• Ability to prioritize projects and meet deadlines; adapt to changing priorities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint).

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver detailed presentations on packaging projects to cross-functional leadership, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of technical and project data.
• Lead the execution of assigned packaging projects from initiation through completion. Conduct post-project evaluations and present findings on performance versus original objectives.
• Design, prototype, and validate retail packaging components for new product development, including clamshells, trapped blisters, folding cartons, injection-molded hang tags, printed polybags, and header cards.
• Collaborate with engineering, product management, operations, and procurement to optimize packaging solutions aligned with product and operational goals.
• Support setup of promotional and point-of-purchase displays by coordinating packaging design with marketing and branding requirements.
• Partner with domestic and international suppliers to develop and maintain packaging specifications consistent with supplier capabilities and product requirements.
• Conduct competitive benchmarking to identify packaging trends and opportunities for performance, sustainability, and customer experience improvements.
• Identify and implement cost-saving initiatives in packaging materials, processes, transportation, and storage without compromising quality or brand standards.
• Recommend workflow improvements to enhance packaging efficiency and scalability.
• Lead resolution of packaging-related issues in design, testing, or quality, including hands-on support and troubleshooting.
• Prepare technical documentation including packaging drawings, material specifications, handling/shipping instructions, and inspection criteria.
• Draft and present technical reports summarizing analysis and findings to internal stakeholders.
• Mentor and support junior packaging engineers through project work and technical guidance.
• Perform other duties as assigned within the scope and level of the role.

Skills

Technical analysis

Project management

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering

Tools

TOPS

CAPE

ArtiosCAD

SolidWorks

Job description

Klein Tools is seeking a Senior Packaging Engineer to lead packaging initiatives across product categories, focusing on cost reductions, process improvements, and sustainability. You will manage projects from initiation to completion, collaborate with engineering, product management, operations, and procurement, and develop packaging designs for new products.

The role requires a strong background in packaging engineering, CAD proficiency, and the ability to negotiate with suppliers.